Disclaimer: The Legend of Korra, all characters and settings, and anything else you would recognize as pertaining to this cartoon does not belong to me. I do not intend to make any money off the writing of this fan fiction; it is merely for entertainment purposes.

Title: The Caress of Water.

Summary: The Avatar battles both the powerful Equalist activists and her own feelings for their mysterious leader—a tale of unbreakable family ties, tolerance, and self-exploration.

Pairings: Amon/Korra, unrequited Tarrlok/Korra, slight Mako/Asami, slight Mako/Korra, slight unrequited Bolin/Korra.

Author Notes: My rendition of Korra has been modified from the original a little bit to better fit the events of this story. In place of her canonically irrational actions and fiery temper is a sense of diplomacy and compassion more befitting of an Avatar. Nonetheless, she is still lovably stubborn and determined to fill the shoes of her predecessors.

Also, the events of this story loosely emulate the first season of The Legend of Korra. While maintaining a similar pacing, I attempt to deeper explore the perspective of everyone involved, as well as add an element of tragic romance between Korra and Amon. However, the dialog and plot are not at all taken word-for-word, scene-for-scene; the story takes on its own light and leads to an entirely different ending, one I felt should have happened. I hope these small changes don't deter you from reading.

(News as of October 16th, 2017) Hello, everyone! I'm sure some of you are amazed to hear from me after such a huge absence. Has it really been two years since I last updated this story? Well, I just wanted to say that, because this is the longest story I have ever written, it greatly pains me whenever I think back to it in its unfinished state. It's probably ten chapters or less away from its conclusion, to be honest, and I intend to finish it. I'm going through my 200k-word story and fixing so many things that need revamping due to the changes in my writing style since this was posted, and, when I'm done with that, I hope to work toward finally finishing this. Also, while this version will remain at a T-rating, I've decided to up the maturity on the version I'm posting on Archive of Our Own, under my alias "WickedIntentions" for those who are interested. Please enjoy.

(News as of July 4, 2019) Almost... there... I've been really pushing myself for the past month. Rewriting a massive story like this one is draining.

This chapter was totally revamped for your enjoyment on October 16, 2017 (and further touched up on August 19, 2019).

Chapter I: The Smirking Mask

"Amon must be pretty charismatic to hide away like he does and still gain so many followers," Korra mused from her place in the grass, contemplating the clouds lazily drifting over Republic City. While the last vestiges of summer were being swept away by the oncoming fall winds, she was basking in the golden sunshine. She could have fallen asleep right there, stretched out across the rolling hills of the city park, with her head propped up on Naga's forearm.

"I wouldn't worry about it," Mako said, lounging beside her and chewing on a blade of grass. "Even if he's brainwashing a few people into thinking benders are oppressive filth, I doubt he'll pose a real threat. If he tries anything, I guess I'll just take him down myself."

"You sound confident," Bolin shot at his brother from the other side of the Avatar. "If anyone will take him down, it'll be Korra. There's absolutely nothing to worry about with the mighty Avatar finally in Republic City. By the way… did I mention how great it is that you're here?"

"You might have, yeah. A few times." Korra flashed him a flustered grin. "Anyway, he stands no chance against Team Avatar. Right, guys?"

"Team Avatar! I love it," he enthused.

"But, in all seriousness, what is our plan if they become a problem?" Mako, frowning, dropped the blade of grass and turned to face them. "We know the Equalists are gaining more and more recruits daily—not to mention Amon's boasting that he has the power to remove a person's bending. I heard he took away the bending of some Triple Threat guys at his last assembly. I mean, permanently."

Korra pushed herself up into a sitting position and looked out across the water. "I don't believe it. There's no way he could've permanently removed anybody's bending. It's all hearsay. People are getting a little spooked and spreading rumors—that's all."

"Maybe. But I think it could be something to look into just to find out if it's a rumor or not."

"A-and if it's not a rumor?" There was a tiny stammer in Bolin's words, betraying his fear. "Bro, I don't know about you, but I really don't want to lose my bending."

"You won't because there's no way a nonbender can take people's bending away," Korra said. "But I agree it's something we should look into. Amon's terrorizing the city, and this is supposed to be a peaceful place for benders and nonbenders of all nations. Sounds like a job for the Avatar. Finally, some real work!"

"Do we even know where they have their meetings?"

"No, but, if we disguised ourselves and asked around, I bet we could find the location of the next one," Mako suggested. "We infiltrate it, find Amon, and stop this problem before it can even get started."

"And how do we stop someone who can take away bending?" Bolin tossed out his hands to emphasize his point.

Korra rolled her eyes skyward. "He can't!"

Her doubt went unheeded as they continued to argue.

"We don't let him take away our bending. Someone provides a distraction so the others can subdue Amon."

"And what about the Equalists, Mako? I doubt he'd go anywhere without some guards."

"Okay, then… Someone provides a distraction, someone takes out any Equalists, and someone subdues Amon. Does that work for you?"

"Guys, look, I would rather you didn't get involved, just in case anything happens." Korra held up a hand to silence their complaints. "I'm the Avatar, and it's my duty to restore balance. So, as your friend, I'm asking you to let me take care of this. I'm sure whatever Amon has planned can be smoothed out with a compromise; I just need to figure out what his problem is and work some Avatar magic."

"Korra, come on… You won't let us help at all? What if we came as backup, only if you really, really needed us? You're crazy if you think we're going to let you have all the glory." Bolin's wide eyes and pouting lips all but pleaded with her, drawing a reluctant smile.

"Somehow, I think that would give off the wrong impression… I'm trying to solve this without violence first."

"What exactly is this plan?" Mako asked. His expression suggested that he already had an idea and didn't like it.

"I'll ask Amon to meet me alone somewhere to discuss a way to end this peacefully."

The brothers stared at her in silent horror before simultaneously protesting, "No way!"

Korra stood, brushing the grass and dirt from her clothing, and they followed her lead. She pulled them into a group hug. "Nothing will happen, I promise. Now, I need to go make the announcement asking Amon to meet me."

"But, Korra…"

"Don't worry. I'll be back tonight. Make sure Pema saves me some dinner."

Aang, I'll make you proud of me, she thought, swiftly mounting Naga. With a wave in farewell, she urged the polar bear dog into a run. Diplomacy was your specialty, and I'll show everyone how it's done—Avatar style.

"Amon, this is Avatar Korra speaking, and… well, I really hope you're listening…" A faint, nervous laugh accompanied the stilted greeting as it filled the room. Unbeknownst to her, the announcement had the desired effect: All chatter ceased as Equalists stopped their tasks to listen.

The Lieutenant moved to flick the volume dial to its maximum capacity. Amon didn't visibly react other than to incline his head toward the radio.

"I want equality just the same as you do, so I have a proposition: Meet me at the Avatar Aang Memorial Statue tonight so we can discuss a compromise. I'll come alone, and I expect you to do the same as a sign of trust. For the sake of all benders, nonbenders, and Republic City, we must reach an agreement. I'll see you then—I hope."

When the lively music crackled back to life, the Equalists stood at attention, awaiting orders.

"She's very naïve to think you'd meet her alone," the Lieutenant muttered. "I doubt she'll be without her friends."

"So, would you say it'd be foolish of me to go alone?" Amon gestured for his chi-blockers to relax, and the former tension gradually dissipated with the buzz of murmured conversation.

"I know you can easily incapacitate them. However, you must allow my team to accompany you. We can be nearby to deal with minor annoyances."

"Very well. I'll deal with the Avatar, and, if any of her friends interrupt, I'll leave them to you. All I ask is that you don't reveal yourselves without my signal. I have no intention of entertaining this half-baked Avatar's silly ideas, but I'll humor her… and give her a message to take back to the benders of Republic City."

Korra heaved a sigh, stirring a few errant hairs. Seated on the weather-worn edge of the memorial statue, she stared through her fingers at the nighttime sky, where millions of stars twinkled down at her in clear mockery of her mood, growing more sour as time ticked on.

An hour passed with no sign of Amon. Either he hadn't heard the announcement, or he was ignoring her. Considering his proclaimed hatred for all benders—and the Avatar in particular—she supposed it wasn't unreasonable to assume that she was being ignored.

It was still irritating.

She hopped down from her perch and dragged herself around to the front of the statue and into the building. Although she hadn't seen anyone yet, there was still a chance that she was being watched, so she feigned indifference. Remaining calm was critical; her temper had often gotten her into trouble when she was a child, and, with the meeting off to a terrible start, she needed to keep her emotions in check.

Directing her attention to the architecture, she admired the carvings while she waited, studying the intricate dips and grooves in the stone. It was worthy of an Avatar as incredible as Aang. She hoped to live up to his standards by doing something memorable. Putting a peaceful end to the Equalist conflict sounded like a great start.

She had just placed a hand on the pillar she was examining when a voice rang out, "Good evening, Avatar. I was wondering when you'd grace me with your presence."

The deep baritone emerged from the shadows behind her, and she pushed away from the pillar, swiveling around to face its owner. Her eyes darted around the spacious room in search of Amon, to no avail. She took a few more steps, occasionally glancing over her shoulder, watching and listening for anything to give away the hidden man's position. Silence stretched on, so she assumed that he was waiting for a response.

"Hello, Amon. I've been waiting outside for an hour."

"Already wasting my time, I see. You called me here to discuss a compromise, and I had to wait for you to remember where the negotiations would take place."

From the sound of his voice, he was lurking somewhere to her right, but, when she turned that way, moving toward him, she faltered—he was no longer there. Frustrated, both by his mockery and his evasion, she gritted her teeth and swallowed a rude retort.

"Right… As you know, I don't want this to become a war. I feel like this is a big misunderstanding, and benders and nonbenders should just go back to living together peacefully."

"It's a 'misunderstanding' when a bender takes advantage of someone who's not tainted with the same unfair advantage?" he coldly rebuked. "I see no semblance of peace in that."

Growing irritated with his evasion, Korra darted to her left. Based on the trajectory of his voice, he was always at the edge of her peripheral vision. He kept to the shadows, not allowing her the chance to track his movements. "Not all benders take advantage of nonbenders. It's not a matter of bending, anyway—it's a matter of morality. Nonbenders have been cruel just the same."

"A nonbender is not on the same level as a bender, and you know it. A fire or an earthquake can destroy far more than a pair of hands. The only compromise is to remove bending completely and let people solve their differences on even ground."

"That's not the only compromise, and there's no need to remove it. Bending is a precious gift, and nobody has the right to decide who's allowed to bend and who's not. Not even I can decide that."

"Your predecessor was allowed to take away the Fire Lord's bending, was he not? He used his so-called gift to stop a corrupt bender—pardon the redundancy."

"Okay, Fire Lord Ozai was an example of someone seriously lacking morality," she grudgingly conceded, "and, yes, he used his bending to ruin the lives of countless people…"

"Imagine if he'd never possessed the ability to bend fire—to ruin those lives."

"Ozai would've destroyed lives even without firebending; there are weapons and vehicles that achieve the same effect. Anyway, bending has so many uses that benefit everyone."

"We're slowly replacing bending with modern machinery. We can and will adapt—at a significantly faster rate when you benders stop ruining everything you touch."

"We can create conveniences for nonbenders without having to ruin a bender's entire existence," she insisted, peering around a nearby column. "You obviously have no idea what that could do to them."

"No, I don't. The thought of it doesn't concern me in the least." For a moment, he stood behind her, and he murmured in her ear, "Avatar, it appears neither of us will sway."

He was gone when she spun around.

From somewhere across the room near the exit, he added, "Did you invite me here just to argue about pointless sentiments? I'm not sure what you plan to do other than continue to waste my time. So, allow me to bring this to an end: There's nothing you could propose that I'll agree with. Farewell."

"Wait!" she cried, struck with inspiration. "What if I try to introduce a nonbending party to the city council? It would give your side a chance to be heard in important city matters."

"Evidently, you didn't hear what I just said. You couldn't accomplish such a thing; the council would never allow it. Regardless, there would still be a bender majority—Councilman Tarrlok would see to it."

Korra sagged, feeling inexplicably drained by the verbal sparring. There was no speaking to Amon; he had a sharp rebuttal for everything. Her hope for peacefully bringing balance to the city had withered and died through the course of their conversation.

"Will you at least show yourself instead of hiding?" she asked, weary. "You're just skulking in the shadows, disregarding or disagreeing with everything I say. I don't feel like we're getting anywhere. Do you want to cause a war?"

Silence stretched on before Amon consented to her request and stepped into the light. He folded his hands behind his back. The mask he wore betrayed no emotion other than its eternally mocking smile.

She was unnerved by the sight of his eerie mask, but she pressed on. "Thank you. I don't know what you'd be willing to agree to. Can you give me any ideas?"

"I'll continue my work uninterrupted," he deadpanned.

Korra sighed and briefly closed her eyes. She was fighting to stay patient. "Sorry, but that's not an option. You have no right to remove bending—whether it's a spirit-given gift or whatever, like I said. If it's advantageous for both sides, then I'll definitely consider it."

"You make the mistake of thinking I have to compromise with you. My Equalist army will march on with or without your consent."

"Amon, please be reasonable. I'm trying to be patient with you."

He closed the distance between them in four steps and forced her face upward with one of his fingers jabbed under her chin. There were scant inches between them. "'Reasonable'? Very well. I can't promise you the peaceful resolution you're fruitlessly grasping for, but you have my promise that you'll be the final push to victory in my revolution. Enjoy your bending until then, Avatar."

Her muscles had unwittingly locked up in fear under his shadowy gaze, and she found herself unable to relax even after he disappeared into the night. She dropped to her knees when her trembling legs could no longer hold her upright. Later, she would skip dinner in favor of trudging to bed.

Amon was right—that was a complete waste of time. What was I thinking trying to compromise with someone like him?